Backup Software

Overview Backup software is software designed to automate, and simplify the backup and restore process. Freeware, shareware, and commercial backup software packages are available online. Some of this software is designed to help desktop PC users back up their important data to floppy disks or to CD-R and CD-RW disks. Other types of software are specifically designed for backing up data on servers and networks. When reviewing backup software, be sure that the package supports both your space requirements and your type of storage device. Secondary requirements include factors such as specific features, ease of use, and cost. The article "Windows Backup Guide" at the Argentum website may aid in deciding what is important to backup and how to get started.

General Information Backup software not only needs to be easy to use and reliable, but it also must meet your backup requirements. For example, are you going to back up certain files, or the entire contents of your hard drive? Do you want your backup software to automatically update your backups, or do you want to do it manually? Does the backup software verify your backup data integrity without having to run a restore? What type of storage do you want to use for your backups--CDs, floppy disks, ZIP disks, or tape? The answers to these questions can be found in the article “Backup Software” written by Jack Danniel. This page describes the strengths and weaknesses of many backup software packages. Another way to answer these questions is to visit a Web site like Epinion.com. At this site, and sites like it, there are reviews, ratings, and prices for backup software currently on the market. These two sites also contain links to manufacturers’ home pages as well as readers’ opinions of software packages. 

Shopping for Backup Software Many large software retailers sell backup software for a variety of systems and needs. Technical specifications, product information, and links to the manufacturers’ home pages are common resources found at these sites. A large variety of backup software can be found at Amazon.com. This Google directory page also provides similar resources. Other sites that specialize in providing information about backup software include http://zdnet.com.com and Computeruniverse.net. 

Additional Links There is a lot of free and effective backup software available for download on the Internet. Visit the site www.freestuffer.com to view a list of free, downloadable backup software, complete with detailed descriptions of each product. Another resource for free backup software  is www.dirfile.com/freeware/. Here you can both read about, and download, free backup utilities.  Look for free downloads of backup software for Unix and Linux computers at www.backupcentral.com/toc-free-backup-software.html.